Yes, teeth lost to periodontitis can be replaced, often with dental implants, but only after the gum disease is treated, controlled, and the jawbone is healthy enough, potentially requiring bone grafting; other options include bridges or dentures, but implants offer superior support and function if the conditions are right.
Patients with periodontal disease can benefit from various types of dentures, depending on the severity of their condition and the extent of tooth loss. Here's a closer look at the options: Complete Dentures: Complete dentures are recommended for individuals who have lost all their teeth due to periodontal disease.
You can't cure it because once you lose structural support around your teeth, you don't usually get all of it back. However, periodontal treatment can reduce infection and rebuild your bone and tissue to some degree.
Dental implants are biocompatible titanium posts placed into the jawbone to replace the lost tooth roots and support a restorative crown, bridge, or dentures. They are one of the best options for restoring missing teeth caused by an accident, gum disease, or other oral health issues.
Although you may have experienced severe bone loss while suffering from gum disease, once treated you'd be able to get dental implants and new fixed teeth over them. The good news is that dental implants mimic the natural tooth root.
The short answer is yes—many patients with a history of gum disease can successfully receive dental implants. However, it requires careful planning, experienced care, and often additional steps to ensure long-term success.
Simply put, it's never too late to treat gum disease and get your gums healthy — especially since untreated periodontitis can lead to tooth loss. Brush up on the signs of periodontitis and start treatment as soon as possible to preserve your teeth.
Implants may not be possible when there is inadequate bone structure in the jaw to support them, active gum disease present, uncontrolled systemic diseases (e.g., diabetes), heavy smoking habits that can hinder the healing process after surgery or when certain medications contraindicate their use.
A single dental implant costs £2,950, so replacing a full set of missing teeth will likely cost upwards of £35,400 if you replace each gap.
Laser-assisted periodontal therapy, such as LANAP (Laser-Assisted New Attachment Procedure), selectively removes diseased tissue while sparing healthy gum. Patients benefit from less pain, minimal bleeding, and faster healing—a win-win for comfort and results.
Early diagnosis of periodontal disease helps prevent tooth loss. Professional cleanings and good home care are critical for controlling gum disease. Advanced cases can lead to tooth loosening and eventual loss if untreated.
If you've already moved into periodontitis, don't panic. While this stage isn't reversible, it is treatable. Your dentist or periodontist may recommend deep cleaning procedures like scaling and root planing to remove tartar from below the gumline. In some cases, surgical treatments might be necessary.
First on our list is TheraBreath Periodontist Recommended Healthy Gums Oral Rinse, specially-formulated to help treat periodontal disease. This mouthwash fights gingivitis for 24 hours after using and can help reduce the occurrence of gum disease and gum disease symptoms.
In some cases you can get dentures with gum disease. Even though dentures are still an option, if gum disease gets worse and leads to bone loss, it might make wearing dentures uncomfortable and less stable. Getting treatment early, like removing teeth and getting dentures, might help stop things from getting worse.
Dental Implant Pain is commonly rated 2–4/10 at its peak, dropping fast after day two. Many patients report minimal interference with daily tasks. In published studies, implant placement is often less unpleasant than a tooth extraction, with lower post-surgical pain and faster return to routine.
However, not everyone who wants dentures proves to be an ideal candidate. Medical conditions like uncontrolled diabetes, recent radiation therapy to the head and neck, severe bone loss, and certain medications can complicate denture treatment or reduce the likelihood of successful outcomes.
Budget friendly: If cost is a primary concern, dentures are the cheaper solution. Durability: Implants are the most permanent and long-lasting option.
The main disadvantages of dental implants include high initial cost, the need for surgery with associated risks (infection, nerve damage, bleeding), a lengthy healing and treatment process, potential for implant failure (especially with poor hygiene or smoking), and the requirement for adequate jawbone density, sometimes necessitating bone grafts. Other downsides involve the risk of allergic reactions to materials, potential complications like sinus issues (upper jaw), and the possibility of crown chipping or needing replacement over time.
Bupa's coverage for dental implants encompasses a comprehensive range of procedures and services. As a leading health insurance provider, Bupa understands the importance of dental health and offers coverage for dental treatments, including dental implants.
Removable Partial Dentures (RPDs)
This is the least expensive alternative to tooth implant. RPDs consist of a plastic or metal base that fits into the mouth and holds one or more prosthetic teeth. They are non-invasive, easy to clean, and quick to make.
The 3/2 rule for dental implants is a guideline for proper implant placement, ensuring biological stability and aesthetics, generally meaning 3 millimeters of bone above the implant (below the gum line for proper tissue formation) and 2 millimeters of bone/soft tissue to the side (buccal/facial) for healthy tissue and restoration support, preventing issues like black triangles or implant failure. It helps ensure adequate blood supply and space for the bone and gum to remain healthy around the implant.
There's no upper age limit for dental implants. Studies show implant success rates above 95% for patients over 70 years old. What truly matters is bone density, gum health, and overall medical stability, not the number of birthdays you've had.
The 2-2-2 rule in dentistry is a simple guideline for good oral hygiene: brush twice a day, for two minutes each time, and visit your dentist twice a year, helping to prevent cavities, gum disease, and other dental problems by establishing consistent habits for plaque removal and professional monitoring.
The "7+4 Rule" in pediatric dentistry is a guideline for baby tooth eruption: a child typically gets their first tooth around 7 months old, and then gains about 4 new teeth every 4 months thereafter, reaching all 20 primary teeth by around 27 months (just over 2 years), helping parents track normal development and know when to see a dentist. Another "Rule of 7" emphasizes a child should see an orthodontist by age 7 for an early evaluation of permanent teeth and jaw development.
The "3-3-3 dental rule" usually refers to two different things: a hygiene habit (brush 3x a day, 3 mins each, change brush every 3 months) or a temporary pain relief method for toothaches (3 ibuprofen tablets, 3 times a day, for 3 days). The hygiene rule promotes better cleaning, while the pain rule manages inflammation until a dentist can be seen, but the medication rule requires caution and should be discussed with a doctor.